Climbing Olympic build-up starts in Hong Kong as top star Kim Ja-in joins line-up for Just Climb Cup 2017
The 28-year-old is a multiple world champion as the sport tries to boost its profile ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games
Former world champion Kim Ja-in will be the star attraction at this weekend’s Kailas Just Climb Cup 2017 as Hong Kong organisers attempt to boost the sport’s profile ahead of its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The 28-year-old Kim, from South Korea, is one of the biggest names in world climbing. She won gold medals at the 2014 and 2015 IFSC Climbing World Cups and also triumphed at the 2014 IFSC Climbing World Championships (lead event).
Red Bull climber Kim will be joined in the competition by her older brother and top male star Kim Ja-bee, who is also president of the ACC Athletes Commission.
“With sports climbing confirmed as being part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the event will be even more important for the top athletes,” said Danny Ho, gym director of organiser Just Climb Climbing Gym.
“We are really excited to have world-class climbers and it is a real boost for the tournament. The competition provides an opportunity to promote the sport in the region and allows a professional platform for all climbers to compete and interact and help to strengthen the climbing industry and improve overall standards.”